Henry Cavill will play Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, an adaptation of the best-selling book series.

The Superman actor will star in the eight-part fantasy series for Netflix, which is already a popular video game series.

Showrunner Lauren Hissrich wrote on Twitter: "He was my first meeting. I didn't have writers or scripts yet - just a greenlight and a lot of passion.

"That was four months ago, and I've never forgotten the passion he brought. He IS Geralt. He always has been. I'm so thrilled to welcome HENRY CAVILL to the £Witcher family."

Cavill also shared the news on Instagram, sharing a picture of the Netflix home screen with the username Geralt of Rivia.

File photo dated 01/12/17 of Henry Cavill, will play Geralt in a new adaptation of The Witcher for Netflix, it has been announced. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday September 4, 2018. The Superman actor will star in the eight-part fantasy series. See PA story SHOWBIZ Witcher. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

"Please note, I'm rarely there. Monster slaying being what it is. So, replies will be few and far between, if at all."

Based on the best-selling fantasy series, The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family centring on Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter who struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.

When destiny hurtles him towards a powerful sorceress and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile continent together.